UK Commercial Property Trust Limited (“UKCPT”), the largest Guernsey based, UK focused, London listed commercial property investment company, which is advised by Standard Life Investments, announces that it has started improvement works in its Charles Darwin Shopping Centre in Shrewsbury appointing McLaughlin & Harvey as contractor. The project comprises a new Primark anchor store, as well as the upgrading of the centre’s ground floor and atrium.
The new Primark is a first for Shrewsbury and the store will be a configuration of nine existing units to form a new 4, 645m² (50,000ft²) flagship store across two floors with a net sales area of 2,814m² (30,300ft²).
In addition, McLaughlin & Harvey will undertake a major refurbishment of the public areas on the ground floor and atrium, including new floors, ceilings and lighting that will help transform the centre. The works form part of UKCPT’s strategy of rebuilding income and footfall at both the Pride Hill and Charles Darwin shopping centres by offering an attractive, modern shopping environment that is both appealing to visitors and able to attract new retailers such as Primark and Smiggle, the colourful Australian stationary brand, which recently agreed to take space in the centre.
Handover is expected to Primark later this year for fit out ahead of a store opening in spring/summer 2017. The public area works are due to complete end of March, 2017. Works to the public areas will be undertaken out of opening hours to minimise disruption to trading.
Will Fulton, Fund Manager at Standard Life Investments, comments: “Primark’s decision to open a store in Shrewsbury is a thorough endorsement of our ongoing asset management strategy to improve the shopping experience at Shrewsbury, as well as the town’s wider appeal as a retail destination. The works are an integral part of our plans to modernise and revitalise the Charles Darwin Shopping Centre and the appointment of McLaughlin & Harvey is a significant step forward in turning those plans into reality.”
